US20080254503A1 - Method and System For Use of Treatment Liquids in an Apparatus For Staining of Tissue Specimens on Microscope Slides - Google Patents
Method and System For Use of Treatment Liquids in an Apparatus For Staining of Tissue Specimens on Microscope SlidesDownload PDFInfo
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- US20080254503A1 US20080254503A1US11/793,558US79355805AUS2008254503A1US 20080254503 A1US20080254503 A1US 20080254503A1US 79355805 AUS79355805 AUS 79355805AUS 2008254503 A1US2008254503 A1US 2008254503A1
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- 239000007788liquidSubstances0.000titleclaimsabstractdescription89
- 238000000034methodMethods0.000titleclaimsabstractdescription32
- 238000010186stainingMethods0.000titleclaimsabstractdescription31
- 238000004140cleaningMethods0.000claimsdescription3
- 230000002572peristaltic effectEffects0.000claimsdescription3
- 230000002441reversible effectEffects0.000claimsdescription3
- 238000011010flushing procedureMethods0.000claimsdescription2
- 238000007789sealingMethods0.000claimsdescription2
- 238000001914filtrationMethods0.000claims1
- 239000003153chemical reaction reagentSubstances0.000description12
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-NwaterSubstancesOXLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N0.000description6
- 239000000969carrierSubstances0.000description4
- 239000006059cover glassSubstances0.000description2
- 239000000725suspensionSubstances0.000description2
- 239000002699waste materialSubstances0.000description2
- 238000013019agitationMethods0.000description1
- 230000015556catabolic processEffects0.000description1
- 238000006731degradation reactionMethods0.000description1
- 238000001035dryingMethods0.000description1
- 239000003517fumeSubstances0.000description1
- 238000012423maintenanceMethods0.000description1
- 238000005192partitionMethods0.000description1
- 238000005086pumpingMethods0.000description1
- 238000005406washingMethods0.000description1
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Classifications
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N1/00—Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
- G01N1/28—Preparing specimens for investigation including physical details of (bio-)chemical methods covered elsewhere, e.g. G01N33/50, C12Q
- G01N1/30—Staining; Impregnating ; Fixation; Dehydration; Multistep processes for preparing samples of tissue, cell or nucleic acid material and the like for analysis
- G01N1/31—Apparatus therefor
- G01N1/312—Apparatus therefor for samples mounted on planar substrates
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T436/00—Chemistry: analytical and immunological testing
- Y10T436/11—Automated chemical analysis
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T436/00—Chemistry: analytical and immunological testing
- Y10T436/25—Chemistry: analytical and immunological testing including sample preparation
- Y10T436/2575—Volumetric liquid transfer
Definitions
- the inventionrelates to a method for use of treatment liquids in an apparatus for staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of vessels for receiving different liquids for treatment of the tissue specimens, and wherein the liquids are supplied to the vessels from appurtenant tanks via connecting lines with appurtenant pumps, the liquid treatment in the different vessels being controlled by a control unit by means of a data program.
- the inventionrelates to a system for use of treatment liquids in an apparatus for staining of specimens on microscope slides, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of vessels for receiving different liquids for treatment of the tissue specimens, a plurality of tanks for treatment liquids, connecting lines between the tanks and the vessels, a plurality of pumps connected on the connecting lines, and a control unit for control of the apparatus and the liquid treatment by means of a data program.
- the object of the present inventionis to provide a method and a system of the stated type implying a particularly efficient use of the relevant treatment liquids.
- An additional objectis to provide a method and a system resulting in a substantial increase of the time between maintenance of the treatment liquids.
- Additional objects to the inventionare to provide a method and a system securing that the quality of the utilized liquids is good, resulting in a drastic reduction of the risk that operator personnel is subjected to dangerous fumes from the liquids, and avoiding degradation of the liquids in that they are subjected unnecessarily to surrounding air.
- a method of the introductorily stated typewhich, according to the invention, is characterised in that the liquids at the start of a staining process are supplied selectively to the relevant vessels to be used in the staining process, and that the liquid-filled vessels are emptied automatically when they are no longer to be used in the staining process.
- control unitis arranged for selective control of the relevant pumps, so that vessels to be used in a staining process, are filled with liquid at the start of the staining process, and so that the liquid-filled vessels are emptied automatically when they are no longer to be used in the staining process.
- An advantageous embodiment of the methodis characterised in that the liquids are supplied to the relevant vessel via at least one inlet opening in the bottom of the vessel at an end of the vessel, and are drained via at least one outlet opening in the bottom of the vessel at an opposite side of an overflow wall in relation to the inlet opening, so that there is provided a through-flow of liquid through the vessel by continuous supply of liquid to the vessel by means of the relevant pump.
- liquidsare supplied to the vessels via filter means on the respective line connections, to secure thereby that the quality of the liquids is good.
- FIG. 1shows a principle drawing of a multi-function apparatus for, inter alia, staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides, and for placing of cover glasses on microscope slides, wherein the method according to the invention is applied;
- FIGS. 2A-2Bshow schematically an embodiment of the arrangement for liquid supply from the tanks to the vessels ( FIG. 2A ), and for possible washing of the vessels with water ( FIG. 2B );
- FIG. 3shows an embodiment wherein liquids from the tanks can be supplied selectively to one and the same vessel by means of a three-way valve connected after two separate pumps;
- FIG. 4shows an embodiment wherein liquids from two tanks can be supplied selectively to one vessel by means of a three-way valve connected before a single pump;
- FIG. 5shows a perspective view seen from above of a vessel arranged for releasable mounting at a staining station in the apparatus of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 6shows a perspective view of the vessel in FIG. 5 wherein four holding devices with microscope slides are placed in the vessel.
- FIG. 1An apparatus 1 for automatic execution of different treatment operations in connection with staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides is shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 1An apparatus 1 for execution of different treatment operations in connection with staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides.
- the apparatus 1is shown to comprise a loading and preheating station 2 for microscope slides (not shown), a plurality of reagent stations 3 consisting of vessels 4 (see FIGS. 5 and 6 ) for staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides, a conveyor 5 for transfer of carriers (not shown) with microscope slides from vessel to vessel in accordance with a treatment program, a means 6 for transfer of carriers with treated microscope slides from the reagent stations to a station 7 for placing of cover glasses on the stained microscope slides, a succeeding drying station 8 and an unloading station 9 for the ready-treated microscope slides.
- the mentioned carriers used in the apparatusare especially constructed holding devices designed in accordance with the simultaneously filed international patent application with the title “A holding device for microscope slides with tissue specimens”. For a further description of this holding device reference is made to said patent application.
- an array 10 of storage tanks 11 for reagent liquidsis arranged under the loading station 2 and the reagent stations 3 .
- the tanks 11are connected to the reagent vessels 4 via line connections (shown in FIGS. 2-4 ) on which there are connected respective filters 12 and pumps 13 , for transferring the relevant reagent liquids between the tanks the and the vessels in accordance with the method according to the invention, viz. such that the liquids at the start of the staining process are supplied selectively to the relevant vessels to be used in the staining process, and the liquid-filled vessels are emptied automatically when they are no longer to be used in the staining process.
- FIG. 2Ashows an embodiment of the arrangement for the supply of reagent liquid 14 from a tank 11 to a vessel 4 .
- a pump 13 and a filter 12are connected on a supply line 15 .
- the pumppreferably is of the peristaltic type, and it is preferably reversible, so that used reagent liquid can be returned to the vessel via the supply line 15 .
- a separate return line 16is arranged between the vessel 4 and the tank 11
- an exhaust or outlet line 17is arranged between the vessel and a waste tank 18 .
- the filters 12which are provided to secure the quality of the supplied liquids, are shown to be arranged at the suction side of the pumps 13 . However, they can with advantage be located at the pumping side of the pumps, for achieving the best possible pump efficiency.
- each of the reagent vessels 4 in the apparatus of FIG. 1is placed in an appurtenant recess 19 in a carrier plate 20 arranged in the apparatus.
- the vessel 4is shown in a longitudinal section.
- the vesselis provided with an inlet opening 21 in the bottom of the vessel at one end of the vessel, and with an outlet opening 22 in the bottom of the vessel at an opposite side of an overflow wall 23 in relation to the inlet opening 21 , the arrangement being such that a through-flow of liquid is created through the vessel by continuous supply of liquid to the vessel by means of the relevant pump.
- the through-flowis achieved in that a perforated spreading plate 24 is placed above the bottom of the vessel, so that liquid flowing into the vessel is distributed over the bottom of the vessel under the spreading plate 24 , before the liquid flows through the holes in the spreading plate and thereby causes a through-flow of liquid through the whole vessel before it flows over the overflow wall 23 and out of the vessel.
- the vessels 4are releasably mounted in the recesses 19 in the carrier plate 20 , and the inlet and outlet openings 21 respectively 22 of the vessels are connected in a sealing manner to the connecting lines 15 and 16 by means of O-ring seals 25 squeezed between the underside of the vessels 4 and the bottom of the recesses 19 , when the vessels are put in place in the recesses.
- a water inlet 26 and a water outlet 27are arranged in the bottom of the recess 19 at the opposite side of the recess in relation to the inlet for the connecting line 15 and the outlet for the return line 16 .
- the water inlet 26 and is the inlet from the connecting line 15are arranged symmetrically about a midpoint of the vessel, and the same is the case with the water outlet 27 in relation to the outlet to the return line 16 .
- the vessel 4is supplied with reagent liquid from a single appurtenant tank 11 .
- a vessel 4can be supplied with liquid from several tanks in that the connecting lines from these tanks are connected to a multi-way valve connecting the tank to the relevant liquid. Two examples of such alternative embodiments are shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 .
- the connecting lines 15 from two tanks 11are provided with a separate pump 13 which is coupled to a three-way valve 30 having an outlet which is coupled to a vessel 4 , so that liquid can be supplied to the vessel from either of the tanks 11 .
- the return line 16 from the vessel 4is also coupled to a three-way valve 31 having two outlets which are coupled to the return lines 16 to each of the tanks 11 , so that the liquid from the vessel can be returned to either of the tanks.
- the connecting lines 15 from two tanks 11are coupled to a three-way valve 32 having an outlet which is connected to the relevant vessel 4 via a single pump 13 , so that liquid from an optional one of the tanks 11 can be supplied to the vessel by means of said pump 13 .
- the return line 16 from the vessel 4is coupled to a three-way valve 31 having two outlets which are coupled to the return lines 16 to each of the tanks 11 , so that the liquid from the vessel can be returned to one or the other of the tanks.
- FIG. 5A vessel 4 which is arranged for releasable mounting at a staining station in the apparatus of FIG. 1 , is shown in FIG. 5 .
- the vesselhas an elongated shape and is divided into two parallel spaces 35 by means of a longitudinally extending partition 36 .
- each space 35is provided with an inlet opening 21 in the bottom of the vessel at one end of the vessel, and with an outlet opening 22 in the bottom of the vessel at an opposite side of an overflow wall 23 in relation to the inlet opening 21 .
- Each of the end walls of the vessel 4is provided with four notches 37 for the receipt of suspension portions at the end of carriers or holding devices for microscope slides. As mentioned above, these holding devices are further described in the simultaneously filed patent application having the title “A holding device for microscope slides with tissue specimens”.
- FIG. 6shows a prospective view of a vessel 4 in which there are placed four holding devices 38 , the suspension portions 39 of the holding devices being placed in respective ones of said notches 37 .
- the vessel at its endsis provided with fastening members 40 and 41 for releasable mounting of the vessel at the relevant reagent station in the apparatus 1 .
- the fastening member 40here is a fixed member, whereas the fastening member 1 is resilient, to allow a resilient fixing thereof.
- the apparatus 1 in FIG. 1is provided with a control unit for controlling the treatment operations of the apparatus in accordance with a data program.
- this control unitis only shown symbolically as a block 43 .
- the control unitpreferably comprises a program function by means of which a quality of the liquid in the tanks is measured by means of flown-through liquid quantity in connection with the working life of the liquid.
- the apparatusalso comprises a non-illustrated control panel for operation of the apparatus.
- This panelcomprises a number of control keys, and also a display giving information about the status of the apparatus during operation.
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- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
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Abstract
Description
- The invention relates to a method for use of treatment liquids in an apparatus for staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of vessels for receiving different liquids for treatment of the tissue specimens, and wherein the liquids are supplied to the vessels from appurtenant tanks via connecting lines with appurtenant pumps, the liquid treatment in the different vessels being controlled by a control unit by means of a data program.
- Further, the invention relates to a system for use of treatment liquids in an apparatus for staining of specimens on microscope slides, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of vessels for receiving different liquids for treatment of the tissue specimens, a plurality of tanks for treatment liquids, connecting lines between the tanks and the vessels, a plurality of pumps connected on the connecting lines, and a control unit for control of the apparatus and the liquid treatment by means of a data program.
- There are previously known a number of different apparatuses for staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides. An apparatus of the type to which the present invention relates, is known from
GB 2 196 428 A. Thus, this publication shows an apparatus comprising a plurality of vessels for receiving different reagent liquids for staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides, a plurality of tanks for treatment liquids, line connections between the tanks and the vessels, a plurality of pumps connected on the line connections, and an electronic control unit for controlling the apparatus in accordance with a staining program. - The object of the present invention is to provide a method and a system of the stated type implying a particularly efficient use of the relevant treatment liquids.
- An additional object is to provide a method and a system resulting in a substantial increase of the time between maintenance of the treatment liquids.
- Additional objects to the invention are to provide a method and a system securing that the quality of the utilized liquids is good, resulting in a drastic reduction of the risk that operator personnel is subjected to dangerous fumes from the liquids, and avoiding degradation of the liquids in that they are subjected unnecessarily to surrounding air.
- For achieving the above-mention objects there is provided a method of the introductorily stated type which, according to the invention, is characterised in that the liquids at the start of a staining process are supplied selectively to the relevant vessels to be used in the staining process, and that the liquid-filled vessels are emptied automatically when they are no longer to be used in the staining process.
- Further, there is provided a system which is characterised in that the control unit is arranged for selective control of the relevant pumps, so that vessels to be used in a staining process, are filled with liquid at the start of the staining process, and so that the liquid-filled vessels are emptied automatically when they are no longer to be used in the staining process.
- An advantageous embodiment of the method is characterised in that the liquids are supplied to the relevant vessel via at least one inlet opening in the bottom of the vessel at an end of the vessel, and are drained via at least one outlet opening in the bottom of the vessel at an opposite side of an overflow wall in relation to the inlet opening, so that there is provided a through-flow of liquid through the vessel by continuous supply of liquid to the vessel by means of the relevant pump. By means of this embodiment it is achieved that there is no need for mechanical agitation for achieving a relative movement between the tissue specimens on the microscope slides and the liquid in the vessels, like in apparatuses according to the prior art, since the through-flow of liquid brings about the is necessary movement.
- According to an additional advantageous embodiment the liquids are supplied to the vessels via filter means on the respective line connections, to secure thereby that the quality of the liquids is good.
- The invention will be further described below in connection with an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawings, wherein
FIG. 1 shows a principle drawing of a multi-function apparatus for, inter alia, staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides, and for placing of cover glasses on microscope slides, wherein the method according to the invention is applied;FIGS. 2A-2B show schematically an embodiment of the arrangement for liquid supply from the tanks to the vessels (FIG. 2A ), and for possible washing of the vessels with water (FIG. 2B );FIG. 3 shows an embodiment wherein liquids from the tanks can be supplied selectively to one and the same vessel by means of a three-way valve connected after two separate pumps;FIG. 4 shows an embodiment wherein liquids from two tanks can be supplied selectively to one vessel by means of a three-way valve connected before a single pump;FIG. 5 shows a perspective view seen from above of a vessel arranged for releasable mounting at a staining station in the apparatus ofFIG. 1 ; andFIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the vessel inFIG. 5 wherein four holding devices with microscope slides are placed in the vessel.- An apparatus1 for automatic execution of different treatment operations in connection with staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides is shown in
FIG. 1 . For a further description of the apparatus reference is made to the simultaneously filed international patent application with the title “An apparatus for execution of treatment operations on microscope slides with tissue specimens”. - The apparatus1 is shown to comprise a loading and
preheating station 2 for microscope slides (not shown), a plurality ofreagent stations 3 consisting of vessels4 (seeFIGS. 5 and 6 ) for staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides, aconveyor 5 for transfer of carriers (not shown) with microscope slides from vessel to vessel in accordance with a treatment program, ameans 6 for transfer of carriers with treated microscope slides from the reagent stations to astation 7 for placing of cover glasses on the stained microscope slides, a succeedingdrying station 8 and anunloading station 9 for the ready-treated microscope slides. - The mentioned carriers used in the apparatus, are especially constructed holding devices designed in accordance with the simultaneously filed international patent application with the title “A holding device for microscope slides with tissue specimens”. For a further description of this holding device reference is made to said patent application.
- As shown in
FIG. 1 , anarray 10 ofstorage tanks 11 for reagent liquids is arranged under theloading station 2 and thereagent stations 3. Thetanks 11 are connected to thereagent vessels 4 via line connections (shown inFIGS. 2-4 ) on which there are connectedrespective filters 12 andpumps 13, for transferring the relevant reagent liquids between the tanks the and the vessels in accordance with the method according to the invention, viz. such that the liquids at the start of the staining process are supplied selectively to the relevant vessels to be used in the staining process, and the liquid-filled vessels are emptied automatically when they are no longer to be used in the staining process. FIG. 2A shows an embodiment of the arrangement for the supply ofreagent liquid 14 from atank 11 to avessel 4. As appears, apump 13 and afilter 12 are connected on asupply line 15. The pump preferably is of the peristaltic type, and it is preferably reversible, so that used reagent liquid can be returned to the vessel via thesupply line 15. Further, aseparate return line 16 is arranged between thevessel 4 and thetank 11, and an exhaust oroutlet line 17 is arranged between the vessel and awaste tank 18.- The
filters 12, which are provided to secure the quality of the supplied liquids, are shown to be arranged at the suction side of thepumps 13. However, they can with advantage be located at the pumping side of the pumps, for achieving the best possible pump efficiency. - As further appears from
FIG. 2A , each of thereagent vessels 4 in the apparatus ofFIG. 1 is placed in anappurtenant recess 19 in acarrier plate 20 arranged in the apparatus. InFIGS. 2A and 2B thevessel 4 is shown in a longitudinal section. The vessel is provided with an inlet opening21 in the bottom of the vessel at one end of the vessel, and with an outlet opening22 in the bottom of the vessel at an opposite side of anoverflow wall 23 in relation to the inlet opening21, the arrangement being such that a through-flow of liquid is created through the vessel by continuous supply of liquid to the vessel by means of the relevant pump. The through-flow is achieved in that a perforated spreadingplate 24 is placed above the bottom of the vessel, so that liquid flowing into the vessel is distributed over the bottom of the vessel under the spreadingplate 24, before the liquid flows through the holes in the spreading plate and thereby causes a through-flow of liquid through the whole vessel before it flows over theoverflow wall 23 and out of the vessel. - The
vessels 4 are releasably mounted in therecesses 19 in thecarrier plate 20, and the inlet andoutlet openings 21 respectively22 of the vessels are connected in a sealing manner to the connectinglines ring seals 25 squeezed between the underside of thevessels 4 and the bottom of therecesses 19, when the vessels are put in place in the recesses. - As appears from
FIGS. 2A and 2B , awater inlet 26 and awater outlet 27 are arranged in the bottom of therecess 19 at the opposite side of the recess in relation to the inlet for the connectingline 15 and the outlet for thereturn line 16. The water inlet26 and is the inlet from the connectingline 15 are arranged symmetrically about a midpoint of the vessel, and the same is the case with thewater outlet 27 in relation to the outlet to thereturn line 16. By mounting thevessels 4 in the apparatus in a reversed position, i.e. rotated 180° in relation to the normal operating position inFIG. 2A , it is thereby achieved that the vessels are connected automatically to a system for flushing and cleaning of the vessels with water. This position of thevessel 4 is shown inFIG. 2B . Thus, by means of this arrangement the vessels can be flushed and cleaned without being removed from the apparatus. - In case the O-
ring seals 25 in therecesses 19 should not be quite tight, possible leaked-out liquid will be guided from the recess to thewaste tank 18 by means of theoutlet line 17. - In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 2A , thevessel 4 is supplied with reagent liquid from asingle appurtenant tank 11. However, avessel 4 can be supplied with liquid from several tanks in that the connecting lines from these tanks are connected to a multi-way valve connecting the tank to the relevant liquid. Two examples of such alternative embodiments are shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 . - In the embodiment in
FIG. 3 the connectinglines 15 from twotanks 11 are provided with aseparate pump 13 which is coupled to a three-way valve 30 having an outlet which is coupled to avessel 4, so that liquid can be supplied to the vessel from either of thetanks 11. Thereturn line 16 from thevessel 4 is also coupled to a three-way valve 31 having two outlets which are coupled to thereturn lines 16 to each of thetanks 11, so that the liquid from the vessel can be returned to either of the tanks. - In the embodiment in
FIG. 4 the connectinglines 15 from twotanks 11 are coupled to a three-way valve 32 having an outlet which is connected to therelevant vessel 4 via asingle pump 13, so that liquid from an optional one of thetanks 11 can be supplied to the vessel by means of saidpump 13. Also in this case thereturn line 16 from thevessel 4 is coupled to a three-way valve 31 having two outlets which are coupled to thereturn lines 16 to each of thetanks 11, so that the liquid from the vessel can be returned to one or the other of the tanks. - A
vessel 4 which is arranged for releasable mounting at a staining station in the apparatus ofFIG. 1 , is shown inFIG. 5 . The vessel has an elongated shape and is divided into twoparallel spaces 35 by means of a longitudinally extendingpartition 36. As mentioned above in connection withFIG. 2A , eachspace 35 is provided with an inlet opening21 in the bottom of the vessel at one end of the vessel, and with an outlet opening22 in the bottom of the vessel at an opposite side of anoverflow wall 23 in relation to the inlet opening21. - Each of the end walls of the
vessel 4 is provided with fournotches 37 for the receipt of suspension portions at the end of carriers or holding devices for microscope slides. As mentioned above, these holding devices are further described in the simultaneously filed patent application having the title “A holding device for microscope slides with tissue specimens”. FIG. 6 shows a prospective view of avessel 4 in which there are placed fourholding devices 38, thesuspension portions 39 of the holding devices being placed in respective ones of saidnotches 37. As further appears, the vessel at its ends is provided withfastening members fastening member 40 here is a fixed member, whereas the fastening member1 is resilient, to allow a resilient fixing thereof.- As mentioned above, the apparatus1 in
FIG. 1 is provided with a control unit for controlling the treatment operations of the apparatus in accordance with a data program. InFIG. 1 this control unit is only shown symbolically as ablock 43. The control unit preferably comprises a program function by means of which a quality of the liquid in the tanks is measured by means of flown-through liquid quantity in connection with the working life of the liquid. - The apparatus also comprises a non-illustrated control panel for operation of the apparatus. This panel comprises a number of control keys, and also a display giving information about the status of the apparatus during operation.
Claims (12)
1. A method for use of treatment liquids in an apparatus for staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of vessels for receiving different liquids for treatment of the tissue specimens, and wherein the liquids are supplied to the vessel from appurtenant tanks via connecting lines with appurtenant pumps, the liquid treatment in the different vessels being controlled by a control unit by means of a data program, wherein the liquids at the start of a staining process are supplied selectively to the relevant vessel to be used in the staining process, and that the liquid-filled vessels are emptied automatically via the connecting lines when the liquids are no longer to be used in the staining process, so that the used treatment liquids are returned to the relevant tanks after use.
2. A method according toclaim 1 , wherein the liquids are supplied to the relevant vessel via at least one inlet opening in the bottom of the vessel at an end of the vessel, and are discharged via at least one outlet opening in the bottom of the vessel at an opposite side of an overflow wall in relation to the inlet opening, so that a through-flow of liquid is produced through the vessel with continuous supply of liquid to the vessel by means of the relevant pump.
3. A method according toclaim 1 , wherein the liquids are supplied via filter means on the respective connecting lines.
4. A method according toclaim 1 , wherein the liquids are supplied by means of reversible peristaltic pumps, so that each of the liquids can be supplied to and returned from the relevant vessel via one and the same connecting line.
5. A system for use of treatment liquids in an apparatus for staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of vessels for receiving different liquids for treatment of the tissue specimens, a plurality of tanks for treatment liquid, connecting lines between the tanks and the vessels, a plurality of pumps connected on the connecting lines, and a control unit for control of the apparatus and the liquid treatment by means of a dam program, wherein the control unit is arranged for selective control of the relevant pumps, so that vessels to be used in a staining process, are filled with liquid at the start of the staining process, and so that the liquid-filled vessels are emptied automatically via the connecting lines when the liquids are no longer to be used in the staining process, so that the used treatment liquids are retuned to the relevant tanks after use.
6. A system according toclaim 5 , wherein the vessels are provided with at least one inlet opening in the bottom of the vessel at an end of the vessel, and with at least one outlet openings in bottom of the vessel at an opposite side of an overflow wall in relation to the inlet opening, in such a manner that a through-flow of liquid is produced through the vessel with continuous supply of liquid to the vessel by means of the relevant pump.
7. A system according toclaim 5 , wherein at least some of the vessels are reversibly mounted in the apparatus, and further are clamped to their connecting lines in a sealing manner, the arrangement being such that the vessels when mounted in the apparatus in a position in which the vessels are turned 180° in relation to the normal operational position, art automatically connected to a cleaning system for flushing and cleaning of the vessels.
8. A system according toclaim 5 , wherein pumps on the connecting lines are reversible peristaltic pumps.
9. A system according toclaim 5 , wherein the connecting lines from a pair of tanks ate provided with a separate pump which is coupled to a three-way valve having an outlet which is coupled to the relevant vessel so that liquid can be returned to the vessel from an optional one of said tanks.
10. A system according to oneclaim 5 , wherein the connecting lines from a pair of tanks are connected to a three-way valve having an outlet which is connected to the relevant vessel via a single pump, so that liquid from an optional one of the said tanks can be supplied to the vessel by means of said pump.
11. A system according toclaim 5 , wherein a filter means for filtering of the liquid which is pumped from the tanks to the vessels, is connected on at least one of the connecting lines.
12. A system according toclaim 5 , wherein the control unit comprises a program function by means of which the quality of the liquid in the tanks is measured by means of through-flown liquid quantity in connection with the working life of the liquid.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NO20045624ANO321928B1 (en) | 2004-12-23 | 2004-12-23 | Method and system for using treatment liquids in an apparatus for staining tissue samples on slides |
| NO20045624 | 2004-12-23 | ||
| PCT/NO2005/000475WO2006068501A1 (en) | 2004-12-23 | 2005-12-22 | Method and system for use of treatment liquids in an apparatus for staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/NO2005/000475A-371-Of-InternationalWO2006068501A1 (en) | 2004-12-23 | 2005-12-22 | Method and system for use of treatment liquids in an apparatus for staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides |
Related Child Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| US13/493,477ContinuationUS8691583B2 (en) | 2004-12-23 | 2012-06-11 | Method and system for use of treatment liquids in an apparatus for staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| US20080254503A1true US20080254503A1 (en) | 2008-10-16 |
| US8216846B2 US8216846B2 (en) | 2012-07-10 |
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| US11/793,558Expired - Fee RelatedUS8216846B2 (en) | 2004-12-23 | 2005-12-22 | Method and system for use of treatment liquids in an apparatus for staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides |
| US13/493,477ActiveUS8691583B2 (en) | 2004-12-23 | 2012-06-11 | Method and system for use of treatment liquids in an apparatus for staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides |
| US14/182,547AbandonedUS20140162354A1 (en) | 2004-12-23 | 2014-02-18 | Method and system for use of treatment liquids in an apparatus for staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides |
Family Applications After (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| US13/493,477ActiveUS8691583B2 (en) | 2004-12-23 | 2012-06-11 | Method and system for use of treatment liquids in an apparatus for staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides |
| US14/182,547AbandonedUS20140162354A1 (en) | 2004-12-23 | 2014-02-18 | Method and system for use of treatment liquids in an apparatus for staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (3) | US8216846B2 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP1834165B1 (en) |
| NO (1) | NO321928B1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2006068501A1 (en) |
Cited By (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7744817B2 (en) | 2003-08-11 | 2010-06-29 | Sakura Finetek U.S.A., Inc. | Manifold assembly |
| US7767152B2 (en) | 2003-08-11 | 2010-08-03 | Sakura Finetek U.S.A., Inc. | Reagent container and slide reaction retaining tray, and method of operation |
| US20100200021A1 (en)* | 2006-02-17 | 2010-08-12 | Nils Adey | Slide Conditioning Systems and Methods |
| US8459509B2 (en) | 2006-05-25 | 2013-06-11 | Sakura Finetek U.S.A., Inc. | Fluid dispensing apparatus |
| US8580568B2 (en) | 2011-09-21 | 2013-11-12 | Sakura Finetek U.S.A., Inc. | Traceability for automated staining system |
| US8752732B2 (en) | 2011-02-01 | 2014-06-17 | Sakura Finetek U.S.A., Inc. | Fluid dispensing system |
| US8932543B2 (en) | 2011-09-21 | 2015-01-13 | Sakura Finetek U.S.A., Inc. | Automated staining system and reaction chamber |
| US9518899B2 (en) | 2003-08-11 | 2016-12-13 | Sakura Finetek U.S.A., Inc. | Automated reagent dispensing system and method of operation |
| CN112557151A (en)* | 2020-12-21 | 2021-03-26 | 哈尔滨格林标本技术开发有限公司 | Biological tissue dyeing machine |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NO321928B1 (en)* | 2004-12-23 | 2006-07-24 | Oystein Ljungmann | Method and system for using treatment liquids in an apparatus for staining tissue samples on slides |
| KR20170007181A (en) | 2015-07-10 | 2017-01-18 | 3스캔 인크. | Spatial multiplexing of histological stains |
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- 2004
- 2004-12-23NONO20045624Apatent/NO321928B1/ennot_activeIP Right Cessation
- 2005
- 2005-12-22WOPCT/NO2005/000475patent/WO2006068501A1/enactiveApplication Filing
- 2005-12-22EPEP05826424.3Apatent/EP1834165B1/ennot_activeNot-in-force
- 2005-12-22USUS11/793,558patent/US8216846B2/ennot_activeExpired - Fee Related
- 2012
- 2012-06-11USUS13/493,477patent/US8691583B2/enactiveActive
- 2014
- 2014-02-18USUS14/182,547patent/US20140162354A1/ennot_activeAbandoned
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| US3294103A (en)* | 1964-01-09 | 1966-12-27 | Bowles Eng Corp | Flow splitter for reducing dominant edge tone frequencies in fluid systems |
| US4738824A (en)* | 1986-10-14 | 1988-04-19 | Kabushiki Kaisha Tiyoda Seisakusho | Apparatus for dyeing specimens automatically preparatory to microscopic examination |
| US5273905A (en)* | 1991-02-22 | 1993-12-28 | Amoco Corporation | Processing of slide mounted material |
| US5695942A (en)* | 1993-02-03 | 1997-12-09 | Histaggen Incorporated | Automated histo-cytochemistry apparatus and encapsulation system for processing biological materials |
| US20010003652A1 (en)* | 1995-03-28 | 2001-06-14 | Thomas Charles Freeman | Relating to sample processing |
Cited By (14)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9518899B2 (en) | 2003-08-11 | 2016-12-13 | Sakura Finetek U.S.A., Inc. | Automated reagent dispensing system and method of operation |
| US7767152B2 (en) | 2003-08-11 | 2010-08-03 | Sakura Finetek U.S.A., Inc. | Reagent container and slide reaction retaining tray, and method of operation |
| US7744817B2 (en) | 2003-08-11 | 2010-06-29 | Sakura Finetek U.S.A., Inc. | Manifold assembly |
| US20100200021A1 (en)* | 2006-02-17 | 2010-08-12 | Nils Adey | Slide Conditioning Systems and Methods |
| US8459509B2 (en) | 2006-05-25 | 2013-06-11 | Sakura Finetek U.S.A., Inc. | Fluid dispensing apparatus |
| US9914124B2 (en) | 2006-05-25 | 2018-03-13 | Sakura Finetek U.S.A., Inc. | Fluid dispensing apparatus |
| US8752732B2 (en) | 2011-02-01 | 2014-06-17 | Sakura Finetek U.S.A., Inc. | Fluid dispensing system |
| US9016526B2 (en) | 2011-02-01 | 2015-04-28 | Sakura Finetek U.S.A., Inc. | Fluid dispensing system |
| US8932543B2 (en) | 2011-09-21 | 2015-01-13 | Sakura Finetek U.S.A., Inc. | Automated staining system and reaction chamber |
| US9005980B2 (en) | 2011-09-21 | 2015-04-14 | Sakura Finetek U.S.A., Inc. | Traceability for automated staining system |
| US8580568B2 (en) | 2011-09-21 | 2013-11-12 | Sakura Finetek U.S.A., Inc. | Traceability for automated staining system |
| US10295444B2 (en) | 2011-09-21 | 2019-05-21 | Sakura Finetek U.S.A., Inc. | Automated staining system and reaction chamber |
| US12281970B2 (en) | 2011-09-21 | 2025-04-22 | Sakura Finetek U.S.A., Inc. | Automated staining system and reaction chamber |
| CN112557151A (en)* | 2020-12-21 | 2021-03-26 | 哈尔滨格林标本技术开发有限公司 | Biological tissue dyeing machine |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US8216846B2 (en) | 2012-07-10 |
| EP1834165A4 (en) | 2012-06-20 |
| US20140162354A1 (en) | 2014-06-12 |
| EP1834165A1 (en) | 2007-09-19 |
| EP1834165B1 (en) | 2014-04-02 |
| US8691583B2 (en) | 2014-04-08 |
| NO321928B1 (en) | 2006-07-24 |
| US20120309044A1 (en) | 2012-12-06 |
| WO2006068501A1 (en) | 2006-06-29 |
| NO20045624D0 (en) | 2004-12-23 |
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